Kelly, who plans to become a radiologist, said it was an honor to take part in and win the pageant.

“It’s going to be a great year,” she said after the pageant. “I can’t wait to hit the floor running and begin work on day one.”

Hyland, who aspires to be a television rodeo commentator, described winning the teen title as an exciting and unreal experience.

“I know the crown falls where it’s supposed to be and now the crown is on my head,” Hyland said. “It’s going to be a great year with a great group of girls.”

Kelly and Hyland have experience working together. Kelly was 2015 Teen Miss Ramona the same year Hyland was Preteen Junior Miss Lakeside.

They also both have histories with pageants.

Kelly said her mother, Kimberly Kelly, was Miss Lakeside and Fairest of the Fair in 1992.

“I learned a lot from her,” said Megan Kelly, adding that her sister, Rachel Kelly, participated with her in the Ramona pageant this year. “The pageant system is in the family.”

Likewise, Hyland has been participating in pageants since she was a baby and her sisters have been pageant contestants. In addition to her Preteen Junior Miss Lakeside title, Hyland was Junior Miss Rodeo Lakeside in 2017 and in 2018.

“I feel like I have left a positive impact in every aspect of my life so I want to bring that to the table to my community in Ramona,” said Hyland. “I would not be who I am today without my mom (Kimberly Hyland). She’s my rock and my anchor.”

Both winners agreed it was a lot of work to prepare for the pageant but said they came away with skills in interviewing and applying for jobs, having one-on-one conversations with community members, and presenting themselves with poise. They look forward to representing Ramona at parades, community functions, rodeos, and other events.

Looking back on the past year as 2017 Miss Ramona, Emily Payne said it was a wonderful and amazing growing experience. She said representing Ramona at events within Ramona and in Lakeside, Julian and throughout San Diego County enabled her to grow closer to the community and to individuals within the community.

“I’m prepared to give the title down to the next deserving young lady,” Payne said. “I hope she carries it with pride and with a smile on her face. This is a very important job.”

Cheyenne Dephilippis, 2017 Teen Miss Ramona, said she appreciated the opportunity to learn skills such as interviewing and applying for jobs and communicating with the public.

“The highlight was me getting crowned,” Dephilippis said. “I know whoever is going to get the title next is going to do well.”

The 2018 Miss Ramona Scholarship Pageant and Teen Miss Ramona Pageant began with the national anthem followed by a group dance routine performed under the direction of Brittany Onder, a former Miss Ramona. Recognitions of service were given to Payne and Dephilippis on behalf of Sen. Joel Anderson and Assemblyman Randy Voepel. The efforts of Payne and Dephilippis resulted in more than $71,000 being raised for various charities and causes.

That was followed by a casual wear competition highlighting each contestants’ interests and gave them an opportunity to describe one aspect of Ramona’s history. Topics included the Ramona Airport, champion racehorse Best Pal, San Diego Country Estates, Ramona Woman’s Club, Ramona’s former Nuevo name, the historic tree colonnade, and the Rodeo Arena and sports fields.

Next, introductions were given for the panel of pageant judges and acknowledgements of visiting royalty from Lakeside, Julian and Santee as well as state titleholders Miss Teen California and Miss California.

The subsequent evening gown competition showed off the young women in elegant dresses but also challenged them to answer impromptu questions.

Teen Miss contestant Kiersten Douglas, who plans to have a career in child psychology, replied that Gandhi is her chosen hero because he was among the first to protest peacefully.

Teen Miss contestant MacKenzie Nolan, who wants to become a veterinarian, answered that the most important lesson her parents taught her was how to be a good person in general.

Teen Miss contestant Karlie Dougherty, who aspires to become a forensic scientist, said that the best quality a teen role model should possess is kindness because “in your heart you can show them you will always be there for them.”

Teen Miss contestant Cheyenne Williams, whose future plans include attending culinary school, replied that if she only had $10 left to her name she would spend it on burritos because “everyone in my family knows I love eating burritos.”

Teen Miss contestant Janee Doomey, who wants to be either a basketball player or mechanical engineer, answered that the greatest responsibility of a friend is trust and honesty because “if you don’t trust someone than they can’t trust you.”

Teen Miss contestant Rachel Kelly, who aspires to be a tax accountant, answered that if she moved out of state for a year the one thing she would miss the most is goats because “they’re just adorable.”

Teen Miss contestant Bella Hlavac, who wants to be a Disney animator, answered the three places she would take a news crew visiting Ramona would be Dos Picos Park, Amici’s restaurant and Ramona Oaks pool.

Among the Miss Ramona contestants participating in the evening gown competition was Kamryn Jordan, an aspiring veterinarian. Jordan answered she is most proud of her generation for the ability to stick up for themselves and do what they want rather than having their actions dictated by society.

Miss Ramona contestant Ashley Dominguez, who wants to become a criminal psychologist, replied the most important lesson she’s learned from her elders is to “be who you want to be, have fun and don’t worry about what anyone else thinks of you.”

Before the pageant winners were announced, Payne performed a ballet routine to the song “Titanium,” and outgoing queens Payne and Dephilippis thanked friends and family for their support during the past year.

Special awards went to select contestants. Doomey won the Spirit Award for bringing in the most sponsorships; Dougherty won the Staff and Director’s Award for being a joy to work with; Teen Miss contestant Rachel Kelly and Miss contestant Jordan won Congeniality Awards; Teen Miss contestant Hyland and Miss contestant Megan Kelly won Photogenic Awards; Dougherty won the People’s Choice Award; Hyland and Megan Kelly won Introductory Speech Awards; and Teen Miss contestant Nolan and Megan Kelly won Top Interview Awards.

Pageant Director Jill Fleming said the most difficult award selection was choosing who would win the the Staff and Director’s Award because all the contestants were amazing.

“This was the stiffest competition we ever had,” Fleming said. “Emily left a wonderful mark. I am so proud of her. Cheyenne was a fantastic representative. I can’t speak highly enough of the team.”